Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-01-22


A''o" ih0 committee was raised to make ar
rangements for the annual summer excur.
sion: A. E. Chase, NJ. N. Rich. Gso n
Gilman.
The Association selected Geo. n w.t;,
o1 fortland, essayist for the ensuing wear
and Anna Sargent Hunt, Augusta a. noet
FOR summer excursion, the Burlington and
TT. Champlain route was selected; time the
second week in July. VIZ
County Historians were reported "a fol.
lows; 90 io'-
iston '''' Ae"
Aroostook-Geo. Fl Gilman, Houlton.
umoeriand-Brown Thurston, Portland.
Franklin-D. II. Knowlton, Farminuton
Hancock-Joseph Wood. Bar Harbor.
kennebec-Wm B. Lapham. Augusta
X 'ox-T. r. Simonton, Camden.
L'ncoln-Samuel l.. Miller Waldoboro.
Oxford-Arthur E. Forbes. Paris.
fenobscot-FraDk X. Smith, Bangor.
flscataquis and Somerset. O. Smith.
SkOwnegan.
Sagadahoc-K. VI. Dunbar, Damari.cotta
Waldo-Chas. A Pisbury, Belfast.
Washington-Geo. w. Drisko, Machias.
" ~. II. HlWtll, IOFtiaD0.
AFTERNOON
AL +. M the literary exercises of the
association, always % interesting and racv
occurred in the Senate Chamber. and that
hour found a brilliant audience of ladies' and
gentlemen, including the members of the
OF sanlzatlon, assembled, prepared for the
treat. Hon. Hannibal Hsmlln occupied a
seat IN the front row, little TO the left of
the President. Howard Owen, Esq, the So
cietys PRESIDENT, called to order and intro
duced the essayist of the afternoon, Abro +
Chase, E-q., or Portland, who presented a
most interesting and instructive essay on
"Wllliam Caxton," the first English printer.
who hourished in England IN the fourteenth
century. glowing description of Caxton's
early life, his apprenticeship and career that
allowed, was gwen His printing office and
Its primitive equipments were accurately pic
tured. The first book that Caxton printed
was entitled I" fhe Game and Play of Chess, F."
and some 90 works were issued from his
press. He continued to follow the printing
business until 1our-score years of age, when
one day death came upon him aud the doors
of his Office were closed. MIR. Chase received
hearty applause
The next event of the occe sion, and one
which had been anticipated with much pleas
ure BY all, WAS the reading of the poem by
George Quimby, "Our George" of the
Belfast Journal, who is widely known and
possesses superior ability rs a humorist and
journalist. Howard Owen, in his character
istic way. introduced the poet as the bright
est, raciest and wittiest wit on the press of
Maine. Mr. Quimby was received with ap-
plause and delivered his poem, entitled 'Our
Old Time Journalists My Ideas of Them
md - n,,;,, g
an exceedingly bright one, well written and
teemng with apt phrases and witty words
The poet was frequently applauded.
Speech making came next in order and
Mr. M N. Rich of Portland arising. said
there was one honorary member of the asso
ciation present whom the sons and daughters
of Nam, deli GIFTED to honor, Hon. Hannibel
Hamllu Of b.. 9 r, ald ali would be delight
ed to hear his Voice.
In response MIR ilamlin arose amid great
applause and sp ke brl fly and felicltously
In opening he was satisfied that he was the
victim of conspiracy on being called up in
this manner. He had been addressed as a
highway man would address his victim. "stand
and deliver" The surroundings here are
not those which would bring INSPIRATION; il in
the Hall of Repre- ,entatives the Inspirations
of half century ago would come to me.
thank YOU personally for making me- an hon-
orary member of this organization. | was
never much of a printer, but enough to have
an honest sympathy for all the craft-S here
ever they may be. | had something to do
with a pap once and was both a leading
partner IN the firm and devil daughter. }
For halt day out of the week abored at a
hand press and know the whole story
was boy, dog and de, il, all in one. set
al m ha
ner. The time was when | claimed a per
sonal acquaintance with nine out of ten of the
whole new spaper fraternity of Maine. | can
hardly see familiar face abont ME today
The distinguished speaker payed splendid
tribute to the power and influence OF the
press. He did not fail to appreciate the high
position which the men who make the news
papers occupy, The newspaper moves the
moral world; dethrones kings, makes presl-
dents, cultivates taste, advances art, pro
notes literature and does everything that ell
evates man. How important then is the class
of men who are connected with the press OF
the world how important that they be found
on the right side, and censure wrong. For
these reasons he was glad to be present aud
become acquainted with the representatives.
of the newspaper press. May it yet yield
broader and better influences and those
which are for the best prosperity and welfare
of the State we love so well.
Mr. Hamlin spoke earnestly and forcibly
and had evidently lost none of his character
istic vigor.
Hon John l. Stevens. Judge II. X. Baker,
and Hon. + Rowell other honorary mem
bers, were called upon and responded in brief
but happy speeches.
Votes of thanks were rendered the essayIsi
and poet also the railroads, Chas. NJ lllken
Esq, of the Augusta Honse and the messen-
ger of the Senate.
Adjourned
Probably the most enjoyable feature OF the
session was the reception rendered to the
members of the association and few of its
friends by Its President, that genial and YER
satie editor, Howard Owen, Esq, at his
residence on Sewall street. The guests were
received in a most cordial manner, and Mr..
and Mrs. Owen deemed it but a pleasure to
tender the hospitality of their pleasant
and attractive home to the
ladies and gentlemen of the associs-
ton. They received their visitors in their
cosy yet spacious parlors and three hours
were spent most felicitousy in conversation
and social chat and enjoyment. As If these
pleasures were not enough delightful music
was interpreted. The Chckering Quartstte
rendered several of their best selections,
Miss Estelle Parke sung, Miss
Adams, the accomplished daughter of
portlapd oditor rendered piano